Neville Goddard on Jeremiah 35:11-19 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Jeremiah 35 in context

Scripture Focus

11But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

12Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

13Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD.

14The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.

15I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

16Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me:

17Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.

18And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:

19Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

Jeremiah 35:11-19

Biblical Context

The Rechabites faithfully obey Jonadab's command not to drink wine, while Judah's people ignore God's prophets. As a result, God pronounces judgment on the unheeding, yet the Rechabites' obedience is honoured.

Neville's Inner Vision

All scripture is a map of inner states. Jonadab’s command becomes a fixed impression in your mind—a vow your inner self keeps, regardless of outward craving or fear. The Rechabites enact obedience as a present state of consciousness so solid that it stands before any challenge. Jeremiah’s call to hear the word is your awareness asking, 'Will you receive instruction and revise your life accordingly?' The contrast with the unheeding people shows what happens when inner law is softened into impulse. The 'evil' pronounced is simply the natural result of living without a governing inner covenant. When you plant a real commandment in your mind and keep its precepts—no matter the outer pressures—you stand with Jonadab as a faithful state that can never be denied by the I AM of your being. This parable teaches that steadfast inner obedience creates a lasting alignment between your inner life and outer experience.

Practice This Now

Choose a present issue and draft a single inner law. Revise it until it feels inevitable, then sit in silence and feel your future self who has kept that vow standing with you.